Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bank Websites
Summary
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert on 20 April 2026 alerting the public to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens impersonating Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited. The HKMA clarified that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to conduct transactions, nor will they request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords by phone, email, or SMS. Members of the public who may have provided personal information or conducted transactions through these scams are advised to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Wing Information Centre.
What changed
The HKMA published a scam alert identifying two banks—Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited—affected by fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens reported to the authority. The alert reiterates standard banking security guidance: legitimate banks do not send unsolicited SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to conduct transactions, nor do they request sensitive credentials such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords through these channels.\n\nFinancial institutions should ensure their fraud-monitoring and customer-communication protocols clearly reinforce these security messages. Banks named in the alert should coordinate with law enforcement and ensure affected customers receive appropriate guidance. The HKMA's reminder serves as a reference point for all Hong Kong-authorised institutions when communicating with customers about legitimate banking practices.
What to do next
- Contact the relevant bank if personal information has been provided
- Report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012
Archived snapshot
Apr 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Scam alert related to banks
Press Releases
20 Apr 2026
Scam alert related to banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.
| Bank | Type of Scam |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
| Chong Hing Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or One-Time Password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority
20 April 2026
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